Chapter 90: Unexpected Event
The next morning, Mason opened his eyes feeling refreshed and checked his interface. The bio-battery upgrade was 80% complete.
Standing before the mirror, the metal ring on his chest was completely concealed, appearing no different from ordinary skin. Mason pressed it with his hand, feeling the elasticity of muscle tissue and the faint outline of bone beneath.
"The Time-Space Courier Company's technology is truly extraordinary." He took out a simple scanning device and ran it over his chest. The scanning interface not only concealed the internal mechanical structure but even simulated the corresponding skeletal anatomy.
Mason didn't have access to more advanced equipment, but for now, at least against ordinary civilian scanners, the upgraded bio-battery's concealment effect was flawless.
He tested his mobility. Although the battery upgrade wasn't complete, Mason could clearly feel the energy output was much faster.
This allowed him to enter burst mode more quickly and sustain maximum output for longer periods. He estimated that once the upgrade was complete, he could test the effects of energy overload.
Under Mason's efficient management, the area near Chiba Street had become well-organized. He went to Donnie's repair shop, received his assignments for the day, and then distributed them according to his established system.
Of the three crew leaders, he was currently the most efficient.
"Hey, Mason, got some time tonight? I'll buy you a drink," Chris said, waving his flask and speaking with a slight slur.
On the day Mason became a crew leader, he'd successfully won over his team through a combination of fairness and strength, leaving a deep impression on everyone.
Chris and Gerald, who were at the same rank as him, had repeatedly tried to build a good relationship with him. During that period, Mason had been busy both consolidating his crew and managing the Chiba Street territory, plus training at Master Huang's martial arts school, so he hadn't had time to socialize.
However, now that he'd just completed a mission and his territory was relatively stable, he didn't refuse their invitation.
"Nothing planned tonight—let me treat. A new club opened on Chiba Street, and they say the androids there are equipped with some cutting-edge tech that's supposed to be incredible."
"Call Gerald too—we'll meet up tonight!" Mason said with a smile.
"That kind of place is Gerald's favorite." Chris shook his flask. "As for me, a good drink is all I need."
"You'll be satisfied!"
Mason was about to continue when his wristwatch chimed. It was an incoming call from one of his runners named Tom.
"Tom, what's going on?"
Tom's holographic projection appeared above the watch. He seemed to be hiding in some dark corner, his face covered in sweat, lips trembling slightly, answering with obvious fear.
"Boss Mason, we've got a serious problem! Hank's been captured!" He had facial injuries, and something had cut his forehead, with blood smeared across his face.
"Calm down, don't panic. Tell me what happened." Mason's expression remained composed, and his calm demeanor seemed to steady Tom, who took a deep breath.
"Shipment number 28 was a large package. You told me and Old Hank to handle it together. We arrived at the drop-off location on time, and while we were completing the handoff, several Blood Source Society members suddenly jumped out from the alley."
"They chased off the recipient and said we'd broken their rules by making deliveries in their territory. They claimed that according to some agreement between the gangs, they'd confiscate our cargo and cut off our hands!"
"Before we could explain, they swarmed us. Old Hank managed to hold them off for a few seconds before getting knocked down. Seeing things going south, I quickly slipped into a maintenance passage nearby and barely escaped."
"Boss Mason, you... you have to save Hank! If he falls into the hands of those psychos from the Blood Source Society, they'll definitely dissect him and turn him into some kind of monster!" Tom's voice cracked toward the end, clearly terrified.
"Send me your location—I'm coming now!" Mason's voice was cold and controlled.
"Boss Mason, there's a lot of them. You should probably tell Boss Donnie to bring backup!"
Mason disconnected the call, his expression instantly darkening.
"It's those lunatics from the Blood Source Society." Chris sighed. "Need help? I can send a few of my toughest guys with you."
Mason smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm not going to fight—I'm just going to retrieve my man." He clenched his fist. "I'll have a reasonable conversation with them!"
"Mason, you'd better be careful. If Johnny is a loose cannon in our Gear Gang, then everyone in the Blood Source Society is like that!" Chris frowned, his concern evident.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful."
Mason patted him on the shoulder.
"Wait for me tonight—we'll drink!"
With that, he made no special preparations, started his vehicle, and drove straight to Tom's location.
Mason had a nagging feeling something was off. Since taking over the Chiba Street area, he'd always operated strictly within boundaries, even voluntarily ceding some contested zones to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Every shipment they transported was confidential—how could it be such a coincidence that they were ambushed like this?
Moreover, as far as Mason knew, Tom was timid and physically weak. It made no sense that Hank, who was far stronger, was instantly overpowered while Tom managed to escape so easily.
It seemed like the other side had deliberately let him go. Mason sensed a setup, but he didn't know what role Tom was playing.
However, Mason was now powerful enough that as long as he stayed alert and avoided encountering elemental warriors, ordinary gang members didn't really concern him.
Upon arriving at the designated location, Mason exited his vehicle. After a moment, Tom emerged trembling from a maintenance passage.
"Boss Mason, why are you alone? Where's the backup?"
"I'm enough!"
"Take me to where you were attacked."
Tom hesitated. "Boss Mason, there were just so many of them. With only the two of us, I'm worried..."
"Enough talking—lead the way!"
Looking into Mason's cold, determined eyes, Tom swallowed hard and reluctantly walked forward.
Shortly after Mason left, Chris secretly followed him with four or five men.
"That kid—does he really think he's invincible? He actually dared to come alone demanding his guy back. Is he trying to get himself killed?" one of the runners next to Chris muttered.
Chris casually smacked the man upside the head. "Shut your mouth. Keep your eyes sharp and watch him closely—don't let Mason get hurt."
"Otherwise, our Gear Gang will become the laughingstock of the entire district!"
Let's push the story forward!
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